993 Convertible Top - How to Manually Latch the Motorized Lock
#1
Advanced
Thread Starter
993 Convertible Top - How to Manually Latch the Motorized Lock
I cannot open or close the top with the motor drive, and my top is resting in the nearly closed position, but the motor latches are not responding. I see there appears to be a mechanism (slot) to manually drive the latches. Can someone tell me if this is an allen wrench or a phillips screwdriver? Can't seem to find the right tool/size.
thanks,
KMS
thanks,
KMS
#2
Drifting
Before trying those manual slots (which I've never used), make sure both micro-switches are being "hit". These control the on/off of the latches. If they are not tripped, the latches will not turn on.
On mine, they appear like a big black half circles. I believe both have to be pushed in before the latches activate.
On mine, they appear like a big black half circles. I believe both have to be pushed in before the latches activate.
#3
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
For some reason I remember this being a flat blade screwdriver. But you don't really want to use that mechanism on daily bases - it takes forever. What you want to do is check if roof motor recall has been done on your cab.
On a "hope that things are just overlooked" note, make sure your parking brake is up when you try to operate the roof and that the rear metal spring/contact of the hand brake is still in place. In other word, when the engine is on and you try to move the roof, is your Parking Brake light on at the gauge?
On a "hope that things are just overlooked" note, make sure your parking brake is up when you try to operate the roof and that the rear metal spring/contact of the hand brake is still in place. In other word, when the engine is on and you try to move the roof, is your Parking Brake light on at the gauge?
#4
Links for adjustment and repair of Cab convertible top.
You probably know all of this, but...
After battling this for months I've some thoughts about stuck tops.
Obviously what you do depends upon the situation, but one place to look for the problem is the under-dash controller. It often has bad solder joints. This can lead to complete failure or intermittent failures. The joints can be re-soldered and/or a new controller purchased.
There are five micro-switches, one on each of the motors, two in the back, and one associated with the handbrake. Make sure all of these work.
I don't know if you've converted the top to manual, but if you haven't, I'd do that and see if the switches then work.
For me, the problem (at least so far) was a bad cable. Changing both the right and left cables and readjusting the top seem to have fixed the problem. My top initially had the same problem yours did, it would get close and then fail to latch. Unfortunately, my problem progressed and I had a cable fail, leading to a bent frame and a badly stuck top. I dodged the 7,000 bullet of a new top, however.
I'll join others in suggesting that you convert the top to manual operation, it is trivial to do and 5 seconds of movement with the electric motors that move the top can bend the convertible top frame. With manual operation, it is a lot harder to bend the frame.
Thus one suggested sequence of failure for a stuck top without obvious cause is:
1) Under-dash Controller in this thread: https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...em-solved.html
2) Switches
Picture of back switches in this thread: https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...djustment.html
Can't find handbrake picture. Front microswitches in other threads in this message.
3) Mechanics (motors/cables/etc)
Bad Latch in this link: https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...tch-motor.html
Motors here: https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...r-replace.html
Adjustment in this thread: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...llignment.html
More: https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...eferrerid=2982
Cable Replacement in this link: http://p-car.com/diy/cabtop/
4) How to convert to manual operation in this thread: https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...lp-needed.html
Note that it may take more than half a turn to disengage. Don't remove the bolts, but turn until the top can be moved manually.
5) How to adjust window seals
https://rennlist.com/forums/993-forum...om-my-cab.html
convertible cabriolet wind noise adjustment
After battling this for months I've some thoughts about stuck tops.
Obviously what you do depends upon the situation, but one place to look for the problem is the under-dash controller. It often has bad solder joints. This can lead to complete failure or intermittent failures. The joints can be re-soldered and/or a new controller purchased.
There are five micro-switches, one on each of the motors, two in the back, and one associated with the handbrake. Make sure all of these work.
I don't know if you've converted the top to manual, but if you haven't, I'd do that and see if the switches then work.
For me, the problem (at least so far) was a bad cable. Changing both the right and left cables and readjusting the top seem to have fixed the problem. My top initially had the same problem yours did, it would get close and then fail to latch. Unfortunately, my problem progressed and I had a cable fail, leading to a bent frame and a badly stuck top. I dodged the 7,000 bullet of a new top, however.
I'll join others in suggesting that you convert the top to manual operation, it is trivial to do and 5 seconds of movement with the electric motors that move the top can bend the convertible top frame. With manual operation, it is a lot harder to bend the frame.
Thus one suggested sequence of failure for a stuck top without obvious cause is:
1) Under-dash Controller in this thread: https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...em-solved.html
2) Switches
Picture of back switches in this thread: https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...djustment.html
Can't find handbrake picture. Front microswitches in other threads in this message.
3) Mechanics (motors/cables/etc)
Bad Latch in this link: https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...tch-motor.html
Motors here: https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...r-replace.html
Adjustment in this thread: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...llignment.html
More: https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...eferrerid=2982
Cable Replacement in this link: http://p-car.com/diy/cabtop/
4) How to convert to manual operation in this thread: https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...lp-needed.html
Note that it may take more than half a turn to disengage. Don't remove the bolts, but turn until the top can be moved manually.
5) How to adjust window seals
https://rennlist.com/forums/993-forum...om-my-cab.html
convertible cabriolet wind noise adjustment
Last edited by pegdrag; 04-11-2015 at 02:50 PM. Reason: Added links, fixed errors, please correct if I've misspoken.
#5
Rennlist Member
I had the same problem it was my under dash controler, read this post https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...em-solved.html. Once i took i out and resoldered some of the connections it worked great. If you need to manually lock it, you will nee a flat bladed screw driver and it takes forever to latch. That leather cover hiding the motors pops off easily and then you can see what you are dealing with.
#6
Rennlist Member
I have disconnected the main motors on my top for manual operation - and i recommend you do too.
The slots are for closing the top manually and does require a flat blade screw driver (which I carry in the car at all times). It requires many turns, so you do not want to do this everyday.
As far as the motorized latches, I sometimes will have to place my hand on the top of the roof drivers side and pull down slightly to be sure the micro-switch is activated. You may have to pull down on passenger side. It depends on how the switches are adjusted. I have not tried to do any adjustments.
Hope this helps.
The slots are for closing the top manually and does require a flat blade screw driver (which I carry in the car at all times). It requires many turns, so you do not want to do this everyday.
As far as the motorized latches, I sometimes will have to place my hand on the top of the roof drivers side and pull down slightly to be sure the micro-switch is activated. You may have to pull down on passenger side. It depends on how the switches are adjusted. I have not tried to do any adjustments.
Hope this helps.